A YOUNG starlet from Stockton is just one step away from performing at London’s O2 Arena.

After wowing judges at the audition stage of the TeenStar competition, 11-year-old Eliza Mackenzie became one of just a handful of hopefuls who made it through to the semi-final.

The singer, who is already somewhat of a veteran despite her young age, has amazed audiences up and down the country with her song and dance routine but she will face her biggest crowd yet when she appears at the Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre later today(SAT).

Eliza said: “The audition stage was the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life.

“I love performing, I always have but it was a really big venue and I knew I had to try really hard to get through.”

Chris Grayston, Events Coordinator for the TeenStar competition said: “We are looking to find an act that has something unique to offer, with both the ability to deliver a strong live performance but also potential to become a professional recording artist.”

Eliza is hoping to win the pre-teens category and her proud mum Suzanne Wilson, 41 said: “I know I’m biased because I’m her mum but there really wasn’t a dry eye in the house when she performed in March.

“The judges literally had their jaws dropped – she’s worked so hard and I’d just like to thank everybody for their support so far.”

For more information or for tickets for the national final go to teenstarcompetition.co.uk